Design LSM takes on cosy and classic brief for latest Goodman Restaurants London eatery

Goodman Restaurants is opening its second London steakhouse in a former bank on Old Jewry, London EC2, with interiors by Hove-based consultancy Design LSM.

The Russian-based chain appointed Design LSM last autumn on the strength of its work on the branding, graphics and interiors for Goodman’s first UK restaurant in London’s Mayfair.

’Several other’ design consultancies approached the company to work on the second outlet, says Goodman Restaurants UK director George Bukhov-Weinstein. The company reappointed Design LSM ’because it understands that our priority is to create a prime-quality steakhouse’.

’Our brief was not to create something exciting, or even interesting, but rather something cosy, relaxed, comfortable, classic and timeless; a mixture between a traditional gentleman’s club and a pub,’ says Bukhov-Weinstein,

He adds, ’While interior design is very important, sometimes when you go to designer restaurants you can feel a bit uncomfortable, and the food seems like an add-on. Ours was a difficult brief for a design group because they naturally are trying to create something interesting and new.’

Putting food centre-stage at this second restaurant, Design LSM has created a meat-ageing room viewable from the restaurant. ’The restaurant is quite dark, so the glow emanating from the room will make it quite a centrepiece,’ says Design LSM senior designer Steve Wragg.

The 130-cover, 200m2 restaurant is lit with industrial patinated copper and nickel hanging lamps designed by the consultancy. The copper shades are intended to complement the dark wood walls and furniture.

Design LSM responded to the building’s history as a bank by introducing industrial elements to the design, using lattice lift doors as a screen between the bar and the restaurant.

The entrance area will feature large, open cupboards displaying red wine, while the bar area has a large four-sided bar and booth seating with a wine gantry above.

’Goodman in the UK is very different to the Russian branches, which are more American in look and feel,’ says Bukhov-Weinstein.

Goodman Old Jewry is due to open in August.

 

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